The Heart Sutra: shown here is a Chinese copy from the time of Xuanzang (c. 602–664), who is attributed as the original Chinese translator of The Heart Sutra. The versions we use to chant in our regular practices are in Japanese, Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, and also in English. All practice materials are available on our RESOURCES page and we have printed chant books for practice.
Eastern Sun Sangha offers regular sessions of Rinzai Zen meditation. Other practices include Buddhist mantra chanting and Dharma study. Occasionally we host social events and retreats which will be announced through our NEWSLETTER and social media channels.
See the full CALENDAR of community event listings from our group and affiliated programs.
short tea ceremony to open the practice
20-25 minute sitting meditation (on a cushion or chair)
5-10 minute walking meditation
20-25 minute sitting meditation
we usually finish with a brief informal chat about practice and whatever else comes up, if people are interested.
This new Monthly Sunday Practice happens at Boathouse Wellness on Clancy Drive and replaces Eastern Sun Sangha's weekly Saturday practice. We are still practicing weekly on Wednesday Evenings, 7-8pm, at Wesley United Church but no longer on Saturdays.
15 minutes to set up the zendo
short tea ceremony
group chanting of the Heart Sutra, first in Japanese, then English (texts are provided)
20-25 minute sitting meditation (on a cushion or chair)
5-10 minute walking meditation
20-25 minute sitting meditation
5-10 minute walking meditation
final 20-25 minute sitting meditation
group chanting of Eight Verses of Training the Mind (text is provided)
30-45 minute Dharma Dialogue group discussion based on a selected reading provided in advance
15 minutes to put things away and clean the zendo
Membership with Eastern Sun Sangha is open to anyone, regardless of spiritual background or beliefs. Although members are not required to adhere to Buddhist teachings, it's important to note that this group is not a secular mindfulness practice. It is a Zen group that incorporates other Buddhist traditions, and its aims are directed toward a spiritual awakening through formal practice and study.
The Sangha members support each other in this effort, practice together when possible, and host occasional discussions, retreats and social events.
Group membership benefits include a private chat group with an engaged spiritual community, invitations to our events, member pricing where applicable, and access to resources from the library.
Please see the next section for more information about events.
Eastern Sun Sangha supports mindful, inclusive and accessible events at different locations in St. John's. In addition to our regular weekly and monthly medtation practices, we host special events including retreats and socials. All listings are shared on Open Spaces Events and in our newsletter. Sangha membership provides benefits with other Open Spaces Events and associated groups, such as intro guest passes, free events, invitation only and special ticket pricing.
Open Spaces currently includes events and offerings from Eastern Sun Sangha, Heart Beats Conscious Dance, and The Pearl Market.
Please see the calendar at the link below for all events including meditation, dance, music, and socials.